Wine Suggestions, Please!

[JustLikeHeaven]

Hello to all. This is my first post, and you all sounded quite friendly and knowledgeable, so I thought I's give it a whirl!
I am looking for a sweet or semi-sweet fruity wine, but not a dessert wine. I have tried in vain the last few days to find something suitable, to no avail. What types of wine would fall into this category? Since I'm rather new to the world of wine, I thought I might rely on your suggestions for help! All of your thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance!

[Innkeeper]

Hi Just, and welcome to the Wine Board. For a white try any riesling that does not say "Dry" or "Troken" on the label, and does not come from Alsace.

For a red you could try a wine that seems sweet from the fruit, but is really dry. Beaujolais is a good place to start. The 2001 Nouveau is out now, and is recommended. You might also try syrah/shiraz. There are some great American Syrahs available from Washington State and the Central Coast of California. Inexpensive shiraz' from Australia should also be given a shot.

If you have to have truly off dry reds, try some of the regional mid-west wineries. Most of them put out off dry lines along with the dry ones. Try: http://www.mountpleasant.com/ for starters.

[JustLikeHeaven]

Thanks so much, Innkeeper.
As a matter of fact, I tried an Australian Shiraz last night. Maybe I just got a bad bottle (Hardy's Nottage Hill '98), but to me it was dry as a bone with a hint of vinegar.
For lack of a better description (I'm still learning!), I guess I am looking for something that tastes like an Asti or Spumante without the bubbles. Red or white isn't an issue for me.
Thanks again!

[Innkeeper]

You can look for muscats. Most are dessert wines, but some are table wines. There are three different, but related muscat grapes out there. So, if you don't like one, try another. Very rarely is there anything except mucat on the label. Ventana is one with decent distribution that comes to mind.

[JustLikeHeaven]

Thank you so much for your suggeastions, Innkeeper. They were perfect! Last night I purchased two bottles, one a Schmitt-Sohne Riesling and the other a Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a Muscat. As soon as I popped the cork on the Riesling, I was in love. It was incredibly smooth with just enough sweetness and a hint of a dry finish, lasting though. I loved it, and must say I had more than my share. However, I also liked the Beajolais. Next time I will try the Nouveau. Thanks again! I have a feeling that I will be an eternal fan of Rieslings!

[This message has been edited by JustLikeHeaven (edited 12-29-2001).]

[Innkeeper]

Sounds like you're progressing right along. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/biggrin.gif[/img]